Bill Riddle, author of the novel “Dead Downwind,” is scheduled to speak at the Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. and March 1 at 2 p.m. He will be signing books at both times. Riddle, described as “a spellbinding storyteller” by the museum’s KT Budd-Jones, will talk about Cdr. […]
TSA says mule skinners need background checks, too
Two mule skinners, who are seasonal workers dressed in colonial garb at a historical park which has one boat pulled by two mules, are being subjected to nonsensical TSA rules similar to those currently threatening general aviation, according to Mike M. Ahlers, writing for CNNPolitics.com. A federal anti-terror law that requires many pilots, truckers, ship […]
Fuel-efficient aircraft authority Bernard Carson dies
Bernard H. Carson, whose “Carson Speed” formula defines the speed at which an airplane maximizes speed and minimizes fuel consumption, died Feb. 15 at Annapolis, Maryland. He was 75. Dr. Carson was a professor of aerospace engineering at the U.S. Naval Academy for 31 years, educating generations of Naval Aviators. He was instrumental in building […]
GA pilots face badge requirement at commercial airports
The Transportation Security Administration has extended the deadline for a controversial and largely secret directive that would require security badges and background checks for all general aviation pilots based at air carrier airports. The TSA will meet with industry representatives to consider alternatives and to find solutions better suited to GA, according to a Feb. […]
Worn brakes contribute to accident
Probable cause: The pilot’s misjudgment of the airplane’s speed and distance during the landing approach.
U.S. policies stifle competitiveness, says AIAA director
Maj. Gen. Robert Dickman, USAF (retired), executive director of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), testified Feb. 25 before the House Committee on Science and Technology on the “Impacts of U.S. Export Control Policies on Science and Technology Activities and Competitiveness.” He said that current U.S. trade and visa policies are adversely affecting […]
Aviation groups offer climate change policies
NBAA, GAMA, AOPA and other aviation alphabet groups jointly issued a paper offering a set of principles to address aviation and its relationship to climate change. “Aviation and Climate Change: The Views of Aviation Industry Stakeholders,” represents general aviation, commercial passenger and cargo carriers, airports, aerospace manufacturers, pilots and air traffic controllers. It outlines general […]
Crosswind landing goes awry
This March 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: Cessna 172. Location: Norfolk, Va. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Minor. What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land on a 9,001- x 150-foot-wide […]
HydroSwing puts LiD on door market
HydroSwing Doors, which manufactures hydraulic doors for aviation uses, has introduced The LiD (Light Industrial Door). “The Hydroswing hydraulic door system is continually evolving,” said Marshal Parker, Hydroswing owner and president. “My own entry into this market was spurred on by my need for efficiency in large door design for my own personal hangar use. […]